Serum immunoglobulins in minimal change nephrotic syndrome--a possible defect in T-cell function.

Serum immunoglobulin concentrations were determined in eighteen patients with minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Serum IgG and IgA were significantly decreased; whereas IgM was significantly increased in majority of the cases. Eight of the eighteen patients were treated with steroids. All the eight patients showed a significant increase in serum IgG and a decrease in IgM in response to steroid therapy. The increased serum IgM and decreased IgG before treatment and their restoration to normal levels after steroid therapy may suggest a possible defect in T-cell function.